Stiftung Mercator

Support for low-carbon energy and other social and economic changes in Germany and internationally to reduce greenhouse gases

Principal Office: Germany

Stiftung Mercator is among the largest private foundations in Germany. It is organized into three centers: science and humanities; education; and international affairs. Mercator’s international interests focus mainly on pan-Europe, Turkey, and China.

The foundation defines themes that cut across its work in all three centers, one of which is climate change.

Climate Change. The foundation supports actions in energy, transport, and land use that reduce human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases.

The foundation focuses its actions for climate protection on Germany. However, it promotes an interest in climate protection at the pan-European level, and it supports broader international cooperation to prevent dangerous climate change.

Particular interests are climate and culture, low-carbon future cities, and the intersection of climate change with international affairs — e.g., in relation to the foundation’s work with China.

Grant size is highly variable, ranging from less than €20 thousand (e.g., for meetings and other events) to over €3 million for multi-year programs and projects.

APPLICATION: Applicants read the foundation’s grant-making guidelines and submit applications in either German or English.

German-based organizations may apply for funding for a project outside Germany. Organizations with headquarters outside Germany are eligible for funding only if they meet all the requirements of German non-profit law.

A draft proposal requires a project description; timeline; budget; and definition of where the project will take place. Additionally, applicants need to address issues of measuring project performance and insuring project sustainability.

Draft proposals can be submitted at any time; there is no calendar deadline. The Foundation invites full applications from selected applicants.